Absorbent articles comprising a bodily exudate modifying agent and a film-forming skin care formulation

ABSTRACT

Absorbent articles having enhanced absorption of bodily exudates are disclosed. The absorbent articles comprise a bodily exudate modifying agent and a skin care formulation. The bodily exudate modifying agent is capable of reducing the viscosity of bodily exudates such as feces and menses. The skin care formulation comprises a film forming agent that, upon transfer to the skin, can form a continuous film layer on the skin to retard harmful agents.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to absorbent articles such as diapersthat contain a modifying agent and a skin care formulation. Moreparticularly, the present invention is directed to absorbent articlesthat contain a skin care formulation and a bodily exudate modifyingagent capable of reducing the viscosity of bodily exudates such as fecesor menses to facilitate absorption of the exudate into the absorbentarticle and away from the skin. The skin care formulation comprises afilm forming agent, which is capable of enhancing the skin barrierfunction to reduce possible negative effects on the skin caused by thebodily exudate modifying agents coming into direct contact with the skinof the wearer.

The stratum corneum is the outer-most layer of the skin and isresponsible for regulating skin water levels and functions as a barrieragainst chemicals and other stress agents found in the environment. Thecomplex arrangement of lipids in the intercellular space of the stratumcorneum is responsible for the establishment of normal barrier function.Multi-layered structures of cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acids, aswell as some other minor lipids, provide the major barrier to thetransport of hydrophilic substances into or through the skin. Thestratum corneum is constantly exposed to physical and biologicalinsults, which can cause a disruption in this barrier function, andnumerous problems.

Absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, incontinenceproducts and feminine care products are worn such that they are insubstantially direct contact with the stratum corneum layer of the skinof the wearer. As such, an unavoidable consequence of the use ofabsorbent articles is that the skin is exposed more directly to variousphysical and biological insults. Consequently, the barrier function ofthe skin covered by the absorbent article is put at risk. For example,in order to provide disposability, absorbent articles are primarilyconstructed of nonwoven materials. Even though nonwoven materials areengineered to have soft hand and drape, they still rub against the skinduring wear causing friction. Such friction constitutes one form ofphysical insult to the skin barrier.

In addition to physical insults, skin covered by absorbent articles isalso frequently exposed to biological insults. Biological fluids, suchas urine, feces, and vaginal secretions, may contain a variety ofcomponents that can damage the skin barrier. Examples of thesecomponents include proteases, lipases, and bile acids. Once the skinbarrier is compromised, these components, in addition to otherconstituents of biological fluids, can initiate or exacerbateinflammation of the skin. When compounded with the friction issuedescribed above, the skin or its barrier function can be substantiallydamaged.

Diaper dermatitis is a type of skin condition that, in large part,originates from impaired skin barrier function. Diaper dermatitis canaffect almost every infant at some point in time during the diaperwearing years. Although other factors influence the onset of diaperdermatitis, critical factors include: increased skin hydration due tothe occlusion of the skin caused by diapers, enzymatic damage due tofecal and urinary enzymes, and physical damage caused by frictionagainst the diaper surface and repeated cleaning of the skin withabsorbent tissues or wet wipes.

As noted above, feces contained in the diaper can harm the skin of thewearer over time and feces leaking from the diaper almost invariablypresents unpleasant, messy cleanups. Thus, several attempts have beenmade to add features to diapers such as barriers, pockets, spacers,transverse barriers, apertured topsheets and the like to limit themovement of fecal material across the topsheet and/or to better confinethe fecal matter in the diaper. These attempts have been generallyunsuccessful because they fail to address the fundamental causes ofthese problems (i.e., the properties of feces) and, because of theircost and complexity.

Additionally, there have been attempts to physically or chemicallymodify some or all of the fecal matter or other bodily exudatesdeposited in the article. More particularly, viscosity modifying agentssuch as reducing agents have been used to modify fecal matter to improveacceptance and/or retention of the exudates with the article. However,these modifying agents can also contribute to the degradation of theskin barrier function. The agents, upon contacting the skin, can disruptthe lipids of the stratum corneum layer, subjecting the skin to furtherirritation by the above physical and biological insults.

Based on the foregoing, it would be beneficial to provide an absorbentproduct that includes a bodily exudate modifying agent to allow forimproved absorption of bodily exudates such as feces and menses by theabsorbent product in combination with a skin care formulation thatprotects the skin barrier function, and improves the overall health ofthe skin. Additionally, it would be beneficial if the skin careformulation included a film forming agent to enhance the barrierfunction of the skin and reduce the possible negative effects on skincaused by the bodily exudate modifying agent contacting the skin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to absorbent articles comprising abodily exudate modifying agent and a skin care formulation. The bodilyexudate modifying agent is capable of reducing the viscosity of feces,menses, or other bodily exudates allowing for enhanced absorption ofthese exudates into the absorbent article and away from the surface ofthe skin. The skin care formulation, which is transferred to the skin ofthe wearer during use of the product, comprises a film forming agent,which is capable of forming a barrier film on the surface of the skinand enhancing the skin barrier function to allow for improved protectionto the skin from possible negative effects caused by the bodily exudatemodifying agents coming into direct contact with the skin. The skin careformulation may additionally comprise other additives to improve skinhealth.

Therefore, the present invention is directed to an absorbent articlecomprising an absorbent body, a bodyside liner, a bodily exudatemodifying agent, and a skin care formulation. The bodily exudatemodifying agent is capable of reducing the viscosity of bodily exudatesupon contact therewith. The skin care formulation comprises a filmforming agent, which enhances the skin barrier function to reducepotential damage to the skin caused by the bodily exudate modifyingagent coming into contact with the skin of the wearer.

The present invention is further directed to an absorbent articlecomprising an absorbent body, a bodyside liner, a bodily exudatemodifying agent, and a skin care formulation. The bodily exudatemodifying agent is capable of reducing the viscosity of bodily exudates.The skin care formulation comprises a film forming agent and a bodilyexudate modifying agent neutralizer. The bodily exudate modifying agentneutralizer is capable of neutralizing any potential negative effectscaused by the bodily exudate modifying agent coming into contact withthe skin of the wearer.

The present invention is further directed to a method for reducing theviscosity of a bodily exudate in an absorbent article. The methodcomprises: (i) providing an absorbent article having a bodyside linerand an absorbent body, wherein the bodyside liner comprises anencapsulated bodily exudate modifying agent and a skin care formulation;(ii) contacting a bodily exudate with the bodyside liner to provide fordirect contact between the encapsulated bodily exudate modifying agentand the bodily exudate. The bodily exudate modifying agent is capable ofreducing the viscosity of bodily exudates upon contact therewith. Theskin care formulation comprises a film forming agent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 representatively shows a partially cut away top plan view of anabsorbent article in a stretched and laid flat condition with thesurface of the article which contacts the skin of the wearer facing theviewer.

FIG. 2 representatively shows a sectional view of the absorbent articleof FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered thatabsorbent articles comprising a viscosity modifying agent and a skincare formulation comprising a film forming agent have numerous desirableproperties. The viscosity modifying agents can be used to modify bodilyexudates, such as feces and menses, in the absorbent article to providefor quicker, cleaner removal and storage of these exudates away from theskin of the wearer. The bodily exudate modifying agent is capable ofreducing the viscosity of feces, menses, or other bodily exudates toallow for improved flow and absorption of these exudates into theabsorbent body of the absorbent article and away from the skin. The skincare formulation present in or on the absorbent article is transferredto the skin and provides for enhanced barrier function to protect theskin from biological insults and the potential negative effects of thebodily exudate modifying agent if it comes into contact with the skin.The present invention provides the wearer with cleaner and healthierskin.

The present invention can suitably be used to provide a benefit to anyskin type, for example, labial skin, glabrous skin, and hairy skin.

The present invention is primarily described herein in combination withan absorbent disposable diaper. It is readily apparent to one skilled inthe art based on the disclosure herein, however, that the modifyingagents and the skin care formulations described herein can also be usedin combination with numerous other disposable absorbent articles suchas, for example, training pants, adult incontinence garments, femininenapkins, and the like.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an integral absorbent article, such asa disposable diaper 20, generally defines a front waist section 22, arear waist section 24, an intermediate section 26 which interconnectsthe front and rear waist section, a pair of laterally opposed side edges28, and a pair of longitudinally opposed end edges 30. The front andrear waist sections include the general portions of the article whichare constructed to extend substantially over the wearer's front and rearabdominal regions, respectively, during use. The intermediate section ofthe article includes the general portion of the article, which isconstructed to extend through the wearer's crotch region between thelegs. The opposed side edges 28 define leg openings for the diaper andgenerally are curvilinear or contoured to more closely fit the legs ofthe wearer. The opposed end edges 30 define a waist opening for thediaper 20 and typically are straight but may also be curvilinear.

FIG. 1 is a representative plan view of the diaper 20 in a flat,non-contracted state. Portions of the structure are partially cut awayto more clearly show the interior construction of the diaper 20, and thesurface of the diaper which contacts the wearer is facing the viewer.The diaper 20 includes a substantially liquid impermeable outer cover32, a porous, liquid permeable bodyside liner 34 positioned in facingrelation with the outer cover 32, and an absorbent body 36, such as anabsorbent pad, which is located between the outer cover and the bodysideliner. The diaper 20 also defines a lateral direction 38 and alongitudinal direction 40. Marginal portions of the diaper 20, such asmarginal sections of the outer cover 32, may extend past the terminaledges of the absorbent body 36. In the illustrated embodiment, forexample, the outer cover 32 extends outwardly beyond the terminalmarginal edges of the absorbent body 36 to form side margins 42 and endmargins 44 of the diaper 20. The bodyside liner 34 is generallycoextensive with the outer cover 32, but may optionally cover an areawhich is larger or smaller than the area of the outer cover 32, asdesired.

To provide improved fit and to help reduce leakage of body exudates fromthe diaper 20, the side margins 42 and end margins 44 of the diaper maybe elasticized with suitable elastic members, such as leg elasticmembers 46 and waist elastic members 48. For example, the leg elasticmembers 46 may include single or multiple strands of elastic orelastomeric composites which are constructed to operably gather andshirr the side margins 42 of the diaper 20 to provide elasticized legbands which can closely fit around the legs of the wearer to reduceleakage and provide improved comfort and appearance. Similarly, thewaist elastic members 48 can be employed to elasticize the end margins44 of the diaper 20 to provide elasticized waistbands. The waistelastics are configured to operably gather and shirr the waistbandsections to provide a resilient, comfortably close fit around the waistof the wearer.

The elastic members 46 and 48 are secured to the diaper 20 in anelastically contractible condition so that in a normal under strainconfiguration, the elastic members effectively contract against thediaper 20. For example, the elastic members 46 and 48 may be elongatedand secured to the diaper 20 while the diaper is in an uncontractedcondition. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the elastic members 46 and 48 areillustrated in their uncontracted, stretched condition for the purposeof clarity. The diaper 20 may also include a pair of elasticized,longitudinally extending containment flaps (not shown), which areconfigured to maintain an upright, perpendicular arrangement in at leastthe intermediate section 26 of the diaper 20 to serve as an additionalbarrier to the lateral flow of body exudates. Suitable constructions andarrangements of containment flaps are well known to those skilled in theart.

Alternatively, the diaper 20 may include a pair of separate, elasticizedand gathered leg gussets (not shown) or combination leggussets/containment flaps (not shown) which are attached to the diaperalong the side margins 42 in at least the intermediate section 26 of thediaper 20 to provide elasticized leg cuffs. Such gussets or combinationgussets/containment flaps may be configured to extend beyond and bridgeacross the respective concave portion of the side margins 42.

The diaper 20, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, mayfurther include a pair of fasteners 50 employed to secure the diaper 20about the waist of a wearer. Suitable fasteners 50 include hook-and-looptype fasteners, adhesive tape fasteners, buttons, pins, snaps,mushroom-and-loop fasteners, and the like. A cooperating side panelmember can be associated with each fastener and may be constructed to benonelasticized, or to be elastically stretchable at least along thelateral direction 38 of diaper 20.

The diaper may further include a surge management layer (not shown)positioned between the bodyside liner 34 and the absorbent body 36 whichis configured to efficiently hold and distribute liquid exudates to theabsorbent body 36. The surge management layer can prevent the liquidexudates from pooling and collecting on the portion of the diaperpositioned against the wearer's skin, thereby reducing the level of skinhydration. Suitable constructions and arrangements of surge managementlayers are well known to those skilled in the art. Other suitable diapercomponents may also be incorporated on absorbent articles describedherein.

The diaper 20 may be of various suitable shapes. For example, the diapermay have an overall rectangular shape, T-shape, or an approximatelyhour-glass shape. In the shown embodiment, the diaper 20 is I-shaped.Examples of diaper configurations suitable for use in connection withthe instant application and other diaper components suitable for use ondiaper 20 are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,603 issued Jan. 17, 1989to Meyer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,668 issued Jan. 5, 1993, toBernardin; U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,672 issued Jan. 5, 1993 to Bruemmer etal.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,606 issued Mar. 9, 1993 to Proxmire et al.; andU.S. Pat. No. 5,509,915 issued Apr. 23, 1996 to Hanson et al., thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The variousaspects and configurations of the invention can provide distinctivecombinations of softness, body conformity, reduced red-marking of thewearer's skin, reduced hydration, and improved containment of bodyexudates.

The various components of the diaper 20 are integrally assembledtogether employing various types of suitable attachment means, such asadhesive, sonic bonds, thermal bonds, or combinations thereof. In theshown embodiment, for example, the bodyside liner 34 and the outer cover32 are assembled to each other and to the absorbent body 36 withadhesive, such as a hot melt, pressure-sensitive adhesive. The adhesivemay be applied as a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patternedlayer of adhesive, a sprayed pattern of adhesive, or an array ofseparate lines, swirls or dots of adhesive. Similarly, other diapercomponents, such as the elastic members 46 and 48 and the fasteners 50,may be assembled into the diaper 20 by employing the above-identifiedattachment mechanisms.

The outer cover 32 of the diaper 20, as representatively illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, may suitably be composed of material which is eitherliquid permeable or liquid impermeable. It is generally preferred thatthe outer cover 32 be formed from a material which is substantiallyimpermeable to liquids. For example, a typical outer cover can bemanufactured from a thin plastic film or other flexibleliquid-impermeable material. For example, the outer cover 32 may beformed from a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012millimeter (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 millimeter (2.0 mils). If it isdesired to present the outer cover with a more clothlike feeling, theouter cover 32 may comprise a polyolefin film having a nonwoven weblaminated to the outer surface thereof, such as a spunbond web ofpolyolefin fibers. For example, a stretch-thinned polypropylene filmhaving a thickness of about 0.015 millimeter (0.6 mils) may havethermally laminated thereto a spunbond web of polypropylene fibers,which fibers have a denier of about 1.5 to 2.5 per filament, whichnonwoven web has a basis weight of about 17 grams per square meter (0.5ounce per square yard). Methods of forming such clothlike outer coversare known to those skilled in the art. Further, the outer cover 32 maybe formed of a woven or nonwoven fibrous web layer which has beentotally or partially constructed or treated to impart a desired level ofliquid impermeability to selected regions that are adjacent or proximateto the absorbent body 36.

Desirably, the outer cover 32 may be composed of a “breathable” materialwhich permits vapors to escape from the absorbent body 36 while stillpreventing liquid exudates from passing through the outer cover 32. Forexample, the outer cover 20 is desirably constructed to be permeable toat least water vapor and has a water vapor transmission rate of at leastabout 1000 g/m²/24 hours, desirably at least about 1500 g/m²/24 hours,more desirably at least about 2000 g/m²/24 hours, and even moredesirably at least about 3000 g/m²/24 hours. Materials which have awater vapor transmission rate less than those above do not allow asufficient amount of air exchange and undesirably result in increasedlevels of skin hydration. As used herein, the phrase “water vaportransmission rate” (WVTR) refers to the WVTR value according to theWater Vapor Transmission Rate Test which is described in further detailherein below.

In a particular embodiment, the outer cover 20 is provided by amicroporous film/nonwoven laminate material comprising a spunbondnonwoven material laminated to a microporous film. For example, thelaminate may include a 0.6 osy (20.4 gsm) polypropylene spunbondmaterial thermally attached to a 18.7 gsm stretched microporous film.The film may include from about 20 percent to about 75 percent by weightcalcium carbonate particulates and the remainder primarily low densitypolyethylene. The film is then stretched which causes the polyethylenecomponent to stretch while the particulates remain unstretched, thuscausing voids to develop around the calcium carbonate particles in thefilm. The resulting laminate may define a water vapor transmission rateof from about 1000 to about 5000 g/m²/24 hours or more.

Examples of suitable breathable materials for the outer cover 20 arealso described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,341 issued Mar. 9, 1999 toOdorzynski et al. and entitled “ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING A BREATHABILITYGRADIENT”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,056 issued Dec. 1, 1988, to Good et al.and entitled “ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING A COMPOSITE BREATHABLE OUTERCOVER”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,999 issued Jan. 5, 1999 to McCormack etal. and entitled “BREATHABLE, CLOTH-LIKE FILM/NONWOVEN COMPOSITE”, thedisclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

The absorbent body 36 of the diaper 20, as representatively illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2, may suitably comprise a matrix of hydrophilic fibers,such as a web of cellulosic fluff, mixed with particles of ahigh-absorbency material commonly known as superabsorbent material. In aparticular embodiment, the absorbent body 36 comprises a matrix ofcellulosic fluff, such as wood pulp fluff, and superabsorbenthydrogel-forming particles. The wood pulp fluff may be exchanged withsynthetic, polymeric, meltblown fibers or with a combination ofmeltblown fibers and natural fibers. The superabsorbent particles may besubstantially homogeneously mixed with the hydrophilic fibers or may benon-uniformly mixed. The fluff and superabsorbent particles may also beselectively placed into desired zones of the absorbent body 36 to bettercontain and absorb body exudates. The concentration of thesuperabsorbent particles may also vary through the thickness of theabsorbent body 36. Alternatively, the absorbent body 36 may comprise alaminate of fibrous webs and superabsorbent material or other suitablemeans of maintaining a superabsorbent material in a localized area.

The absorbent body 36 may have any of a number of shapes. For example,the absorbent core may be rectangular, I-shaped, or T-shaped. It isgenerally preferred that the absorbent body 36 be narrower in the crotcharea than in the front or rear portions of the diaper 20. The size andthe absorbent capacity of the absorbent body 36 should be compatiblewith the size of the intended wearer and the liquid loading imparted bythe intended use of the absorbent article.

The high-absorbency material can be selected from natural, synthetic,and modified natural polymers and materials. The high-absorbencymaterials can be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organiccompounds, such as crosslinked polymers. The term “crosslinked” refersto any means for effectively rendering normally water-soluble materialssubstantially water insoluble but swellable. Such means can include, forexample, physical entanglement, crystalline domains, covalent bonds,ionic complexes and associations, hydrophilic associations such ashydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic associations or Van der Waals forces.

Examples of synthetic, polymeric, high-absorbency materials include thealkali metal and ammonium salts of poly(acrylic acid) andpoly(methacrylic acid), poly(acrylamides), poly(vinyl ethers), maleicanhydride copolymers with vinyl ethers and alpha-olefins, poly(vinylpyrolidone), poly(vinyl morpholinone), poly(vinyl alcohol), and mixturesand copolymers thereof. Further polymers suitable for use in theabsorbent core include natural and modified natural polymers, such ashydrolyzed acrylonitrile-grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch,methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, andthe natural gums, such as alginates, xanthum gum, locust bean gum, andthe like. Mixtures of natural and wholly or partially syntheticabsorbent polymers can also be useful in the present invention. Suchhigh-absorbency materials are well known to those skilled in the art andare widely commercially available. Examples of superabsorbent polymerssuitable for use in the present invention are SANWET IM 3900 polymeravailable from Hoechst Celanese located in Portsmouth, Va., and DOWDRYTECH 2035LD polymer available from Dow Chemical Company located inMidland, Mich.

The high absorbency material may be in any of a wide variety ofgeometric forms. As a general rule, it is preferred that the highabsorbency material be in the form of discrete particles. However, thehigh absorbency material may also be in the form of fibers, flakes,rods, spheres, needles, or the like. As a general rule, the highabsorbency material is present in the absorbent body in an amount offrom about 5 to about 90 weight percent based on a total weight of theabsorbent body 36.

Optionally, a substantially hydrophilic tissue wrapsheet (not shown) maybe employed to help maintain the integrity of the airlaid fibrousstructure of the absorbent body 36. The tissue wrapsheet is typicallyplaced about the absorbent body over at least the two major facingsurfaces thereof and composed of an absorbent cellulosic material, suchas creped wadding or a high wet-strength tissue. In one aspect of theinvention, the tissue wrapsheet can be configured to provide a wickinglayer, which helps to rapidly distribute liquid over the mass ofabsorbent fibers comprising the absorbent body. In another aspect of theinvention, the wrapsheet material on one side of the absorbent fibrousmass may be bonded to the wrapsheet located on the opposite side of thefibrous mass.

The bodyside liner 34, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,suitably presents a bodyfacing surface which is compliant, soft feeling,and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, the bodyside liner 34may be less hydrophilic than the absorbent body 36, to present arelatively dry surface to the wearer, and may be sufficiently porous tobe liquid permeable, permitting liquid to readily penetrate through itsthickness. A suitable bodyside liner 34 may be manufactured from a wideselection of web materials, such as porous foams, reticulated foams,apertured plastic films, natural fibers (i.e., wood or cotton fibers),synthetic fibers (i.e., polyester or polypropylene fibers), or acombination of natural and synthetic fibers. The bodyside liner 34 issuitably employed to help isolate the wearer's skin from liquids held inthe absorbent body 36.

Various woven and nonwoven fabrics can be used for the bodyside liner34. For example, the bodyside liner 34 may be composed of a meltblown orspunbonded web of polyolefin fibers. The bodyside liner 34 may also be abonded-carded web composed of natural and/or synthetic fibers. Thebodyside liner 34 may be composed of a substantially hydrophobicmaterial, and the hydrophobic material may, optionally, be treated witha surfactant, a wetting agent, or otherwise processed to impart adesired level of wettability and hydrophilicity.

In a particular embodiment, the bodyside liner 34 comprises a nonwoven,spunbond, polypropylene fabric composed of about 1-3 denier fibersformed into a web having a basis weight of about 20 grams per squaremeter and a density of about 0.13 gram per cubic centimeter. The fabricmay be surface treated with about 0.3 weight percent of a surfactantmixture, which contains a mixture of AHCOVEL Base N-62 and GLUCOPON220UP surfactant in a 3:1 ratio based on a total weight of thesurfactant mixture. The AHCOVEL Base N-62 is purchased from Uniqema (NewCastle, Del.) and includes a blend of hydrogenated ethoxylated castoroil and sorbitan monooleate in a 55:45 weight ratio. The GLUCOPON 220UPis purchased from Cognis Corporation and includes alkyl polyglycoside.The surfactant may be applied by any conventional means, such asspraying, printing, brush coating, or the like. The surfactant may beapplied to the entire bodyside liner 34, or may be selectively appliedto particular sections of the bodyside liner 34, such as the medialsection along the longitudinal centerline of the diaper, to providegreater wettability of such sections.

As discussed above, the absorbent articles of the present inventioninclude a bodily exudate modifying agent and a skin care formulation. Asused herein, the term “bodily exudate” means secretions from the humanbody that have a viscosity greater than that of urine. Bodily exudatesinclude, for example, solid, semi-solid and liquid bowel movements,menses, and other vaginal and anal secretions. Suitably, the bodilyexudate modifying agents are capable of reducing the viscosity of bodilyexudates, such as feces or menses, upon contact therewith. By reducingthe viscosity of the exudates, there may be improved absorption of theexudates into the absorbent body of the absorbent article and away fromthe skin of the wearer. This results in improved skin health as numerouscompounds contained in the bodily exudates that could damage the skinupon contact therewith are substantially removed from the area of thedisposable absorbent product in contact with the surface of the skin.The bodily exudate modifying agents described herein can be used aloneor in combination.

As used herein, the term “bodily exudate modifying agent” refers to achemical composition capable of reducing the viscosity of bodilyexudates, such as feces and menses, through chemical modification toallow for enhanced absorption of the bodily exudates by one or moreareas of the absorbent article. As such, these bodily exudate modifyingagents may be used to enhance the ease of bodily exudate penetrationinto an absorbent article and away from the skin. Suitably, the bodilyexudate modifying agent reduces the viscosity of at least some of thebodily exudate by at least about 5%, more suitably, at least about 25%.Such a reduction in viscosity results in the exudates flowing much moreeasily into the desired area of the absorbent article, which may be, forexample, the absorbent body.

Typically, the bodily exudate modifying agent is present in theabsorbent article in an amount of from about 0.01% (by weight of thearticle) to about 10% (by weight of the article). More suitably, thebodily exudate modifying agent is present in the absorbent article in anamount of from about 0.1% (by weight of the article) to about 0.5% (byweight of the article). Based on the disclosure herein, one skilled inthe art will recognize that the exact amount of modifying agent requiredto provide the intended function may vary depending upon the desiredapplication, and the exact location of the modifying agent in theabsorbent article.

The location of the bodily exudate modifying agent within the absorbentarticle is not critical, and it may be introduced into or onto theabsorbent article in any suitable location to allow contact with theexudate. The modifying agent maybe introduced into two or more areas ofthe absorbent article in some embodiments to allow for increasedactivity. In one specific embodiment, the bodily exudate modifying agentis introduced into the absorbent body of the absorbent article. Themodifying agent can be introduced only into a specified area of theabsorbent body, or may be distributed evenly or unevenly throughout theentire absorbent body. Also, the modifying agent could be introducedonto any superabsorbent material present in the absorbent body.

Where the modifying agent is introduced into the absorbent body, upondefecation and/or urination, the modifying agent is contacted with fluidand is drawn through the absorbent body and bodyside liner where itcontacts the bodily exudate and begins to reduce the viscosity of theexudate to facilitate absorption of the exudate into the absorbent body.In this embodiment, a substantial amount of the modifying agent presentin the absorbent body will contact the exudate as opposed to the skin asthe exudate is located between the modifying agent and the skin. Assuch, there is a reduced likelihood of direct skin contact by themodifying agent.

In another embodiment, the bodily exudate modifying agent is introducedonto the outward facing surface of the bodyside liner; that is, themodifying agent is introduced onto the side of the bodyside liner thatfaces away from the wearer. In this embodiment, upon defecation and/orurination, the modifying agent is contacted by fluid and is drawnthrough the thin bodyside liner and contacted with the exudate where itreduces the viscosity of the exudate. With this embodiment, it may bepossible to utilize a reduced amount of modifying agent as the agentneed only move through the liner to contact the exudate, and is notrequired to move through the absorbent body.

In another embodiment, the bodily exudate modifying agent is introducedonto the bodyfacing surface of the bodyside liner such that, upon beingcontacted with feces, it immediately begins to reduce the viscosity ofthe feces to improve absorption of the feces into the absorbent body ofthe product. This embodiment provides for the quickest reduction inviscosity of the feces, as the modifying agent is not required to travelthrough one or more layers of the absorbent article to reach the feces.In this embodiment, it is generally preferred, although not required,that the bodily exudate modifying agent be first encapsulated prior tointroducing it onto the bodyside liner to reduce the likelihood of themodifying agent contacting the skin of the wearer prior to theintroduction of feces into the absorbent article. By encapsulating themodifying agent, it can be held away from the skin until feces ispresent and causes the capsules to dissolve or disintegrate and releasethe modifying agent.

The modifying agent maybe microencapsulated in a shell-type materialthat will dissolve, disintegrate, rupture, or otherwise breakdown uponcontact with urine and/or feces to allow for the release of themodifying agent. Suitable microencapsulated shell materials are known inthe art and include cellulose-based polymeric materials (e.g., ethylcellulose), lactic acid-based aliphatic polyesters, carbohydrate-basedmaterials (e.g., cationic starches and sugars) and materials derivedtherefrom (e.g., dextrins and cyclodextrins) as well as other materialscompatible with human tissues.

As will be recognized by one skilled in the art based on the disclosureherein, the modifying agent may first be encapsulated prior tointroduction into any area of the absorbent article to reduce thepotential for the modifying agent to contact the skin.

Other suitable locations of the bodily exudate modifying agent caninclude, for example, surge layers, leg elastic members, and waistelastic members of the absorbent article.

In one embodiment, the bodily exudate modifying agent is an enzymecapable of interacting with the bodily exudate and reducing itsviscosity. Enzymes are complex proteins that are produced by cells andact as catalysts in biochemical reactions. More particularly, specificenzymes can be utilized in the present invention to reduce the viscosityof bodily exudates. Suitable enzymes for use as bodily exudate modifyingagents in the absorbent articles as described herein include amylase,lysozyme, zymolyase, celulase, protease, lipase, urease, elastase,carbohydrase, cathepsin G, myeloperoxidase, cytolysins, such asphospholipase and listeriolysin, streptolysin, perfringolysin, andcombinations thereof. Suitable proteases include serine proteases,cysteine proteases, and metalloproteases. These enzymes catalyzereactions on the surface of the exudate that result in a breakdown ofthe exudate and a decreased viscosity of the exudate.

In another embodiment, the bodily exudate modifying agent is a reducingagent. For example, agents that reduce disulfide bonds (—S—S-bonds), asfound in colonic mucous (colonic mucous generally comprises variousmacromolecular glycoproteins linked by disulfide bonds), can effect asignificant viscosity reduction in feces having high mucous content,such as runny feces. This reduction of disulfide bonds denatures thevarious glycoproteins. Without being bound to a particular theory, it isbelieved that the denaturing of the proteins by the reduction of themucin disulfide bonds (which function as crosslinks between mucinpolymer chains) significantly reduces the average molecular weight ofthe glycoprotein structure in feces, such as runny feces, to a levelwell below the “gel point” of the mucin (i.e., long-distance structurebecomes impossible due to the relatively small size of theglycoproteins). This reduction in average molecular weight results in adecrease in viscosity.

Suitable reducing agents can include sulfites such as sodiumhydrogensulphite, sodium sulfite and sodium dithionite, thiols, thiolalcohols (e.g., 2-mercaptoethanol, dithiothreitol, anddithioerythritol), mercaptoacetic acid, sodium thioglycolate, thiolacticacid, thioglycoamide, glycerol monothioglycolate, borohydrides (e.g.,sodium borohydride), ternary amines, thiocyanates such as sodiumthiocyanate, thiosulfates such as sodium thiosulfate, cyanides such assodium cyanide, thiophosphates such as sodium thiophosphate, arsenitessuch as sodium arsenite, phosphines such as triphenyl phosphine, phenolssuch as thiophenol and p-nitrophenol, betaines, lithium aluminumhydride, guanidine hydrochloride, stannous chloride, hydroxylamine,LiHB(C₂H₅)₃, zinc metal, Raney nickel, hydrazines, and substitutedhydrazines. Two or more of the reducing agents can also be used incombination to reduce the viscosity of the exudate.

Other suitable reducing agents include stabilized radicals. Examples ofstabilized radicals that act as reducing agents are alkyl tin hydrides,such as tributyl tin hydride, organic peroxides, such as benzoylperoxide and di-tert-butyl peroxide, azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN), andtriphenylcarbenium salts.

In another embodiment, the bodily exudate modifying agents are agentsthat can activate enzymatic autolysins, such as peptidoglycanhydrolases, in the bacteria present in bodily exudates. These activatedautolysins will catalyze the lysis of the bacterial cell wall throughthe use of the cell's own enzymes. As the bacterial cell wall isdestroyed, water is liberated from inside the bacterial cell. Thisreleased water from inside of the cell produces a dilution effect aroundthe exudate, which results in the reduction of the viscosity of thebodily exudate.

One suitable example of a bodily exudate modifying agent that canactivate autolysins in bacteria found in exudate is a metal-basedmodifying agent. As used herein, the term “metal-based modifying agent”refers to any chemical compound containing a metal capable of activatingan autolysin, which can reduce the viscosity of bodily exudates. In oneembodiment, the metal-based modifying agents include, but are notlimited to, magnesium-based modifying agents, barium-based modifyingagents, calcium-based modifying agents, and combinations thereof.

Suitable magnesium-based modifying agents are magnesium oxide, magnesiumhydroxide, and magnesium chloride. Suitable barium-based modifyingagents are barium oxide, barium hydroxide, and barium chloride.

Specifically, calcium-based modifying agents are required for activatingcalpain-type protease autolysins. Some suitable calcium-based modifyingagents useful for the present invention can include calcium oxide,calcium hydroxide, calcium chloride, and calcium carbonate.

The metal-based modifying agents can also suitably be metal salts.Suitably, the metal salt can be selected from the group consisting ofiron salts, aluminum salts, calcium salts, and combinations thereof.

Additionally, various peptides can be used to activate autolysins inbacteria and reduce the viscosity of the exudate. Suitably peptides foruse in the present invention are cationic peptides. Cationic peptidescause a deregulation of the anionic and amphiphilic regulators of theautolytic wall components, such as enzymes (muramidases), lipoteichoicacid, and Forssman antigens. This deregulation results in hydrolysis ofthe peptidoglycan found in the normal bacteria cell wall, bacteriolysis,and cell death. For example, a suitable cationic peptide is niacin.

Some pore-forming toxins can further induce autolysins. These toxinsshut down transport channels in bacterial cell walls, forcing thechannels to remain open. As such, water is released into the absorbentarticle from inside the bacterial cell. As stated above, this produces adilution effect, which reduces the viscosity of bodily exudates.Suitably pore-forming toxins include alpha-toxins, cytolysin A, andseticholysins.

In addition to agents that can activate autolysins, certainnanoemulsions, alternatively known as nanoparticles, can cause lysis ofbacterial cell walls. The bacterial cell wall ruptures when the wallscome into contact with the nanoemulsions. As stated above, this resultsin the release of water from inside the bacterial cell, causing adilution effect, which reduces the viscosity of the bodily exudates.

Methods for preparing nanoemulsions or nanoparticles suitable for use inthe present invention are well known and disclosed, for example, in U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,558,941 and 6,623,761. For example, in one embodiment,nanoemulsions can be prepared through the process of wet grinding. Wetgrinding involves the mechanical crushing of brittle particles, usinghard beads made of glass, porcelain, zirconium oxide, or similarmaterials of about 1-2 mm in diameter, and aqueous solution of ahydrophilic material. The hydrophilic solution, which can be a surfaceactive agent, surface modifier, or surface stabilizer, preventsaggregation or caking of the ground particles.

Another suitable method is the liquid antisolvent technique, whichinvolves dissolving a water insoluble compound in a suitable organicsolvent, and diluting that solution with a non-solvent. The non-solventis miscible in the solution. The non-solvent neither dissolves thecompound nor causes its precipitation from the original solvent. Solidnanoparticles are then generated by carefully controlling theprecipitation step by addition of an antisolvent liquid, such as wateror an aqueous solution. Since the formation of the nanoparticles issolely dependent on the diffusion of totally miscible liquids undernon-structural geometry, or boundaries, resultant particle size,surface, and shape are critically sensitive to minimal changes in theprecipitation conditions.

One embodiment suitable for the present invention includes nanoemulsionscomposed of oil particles, the surfaces of which are occupied by anamphoteric emulsifier in aqueous dispersions. These oil particles are ofa diameter of less than about 100 nm, and more suitably, of less than 40nm. Other suitable nanoemulsions for use in the present invention mayinclude vegetable oil in water emulsions, triglycerides in wateremulsions, fatty acid esters in water emulsions, and combinationsthereof.

In another embodiment, surfactants, and specifically mild-typesurfactants, can be used as bodily exudate modifying agents. Surfactantslower the surface tension of liquids, and as such, the use of mildsurfactants in the present invention will facilitate the release ofmoisture, thus enhancing the breakdown of the bodily exudates. Mildsurfactants are typically preferred to reduce the likelihood of thesurfactant damaging the skin. Suitable mild surfactants include sodiummono lauryl phosphate, potassium mono lauryl phosphate, diethanolaminemono lauryl phosphate, triethanolamine mono lauryl phosphate, sodiummono coco phosphate, potassium mono coco phosphate, triethanolamine monococo phosphate, sodium mono capric phosphate, potassium mono capricphosphate, triethanolamine mono capric phosphate, non-ionic surfactantssuch as PLURONIC surfactants, and combinations thereof.

While the use of the above discussed bodily exudate modifying agentswill generally result in a reduced viscosity of the bodily exudate uponcontact therewith in the absorbent article, some of the bodily exudatemodifying agents, such as lipase and protease enzymes, may cause anirritation on the skin surface that is uncomfortable and can predisposethe skin to infection by microorganisms if they remain in contact withthe skin for any appreciable period of time. As such, the absorbentarticles of the present invention further include a skin careformulation. This formulation, upon transfer to the skin, can improvethe skin barrier function against the modifying agents that may causeskin problems upon contact therewith; that is, the skin care formulationmay form a barrier layer on the skin to keep unwanted agents away fromthe skin.

Although the skin care formulation can be applied to any suitable areaof the absorbent article, the skin care formulation is preferablyapplied to the bodyfacing side of the bodyside liner of the absorbentarticle such that, upon wear by a user, the skin care formulation can besubstantially transferred from the bodyside liner to the surface of theskin. Upon transfer from the bodyside liner to the skin, the skin careformulation can form a protective barrier layer on the skin surface tokeep potentially harmful substances away from the skin and improveoverall skin health in the diaper area. Additionally, in someembodiments, the skin care formulation can comprise agents that canneutralize the exudate modifying agents that contact the skin.

The skin care formulation is present in the absorbent articles of thepresent invention in an amount of from about 0.01% (by weight of thearticle) to about 10% (by weight of the article). More suitably, theskin care formulation is present in the absorbent articles of thepresent invention in an amount of from about 0.1% (by weight of thearticle) to about 0.5% (by weight of the article).

The skin care formulation for application to the absorbent articletypically comprises a film forming agent. Film forming agents canprotect the skin from the penetration of irritants by producing acontinuous uniform film or layer on the surface of the skin uponapplication and drying. This continuous film or layer enhances the skinbarrier function by repelling and blocking irritants, such as themodifying agents, from entering the skin when present at or near theskin surface. In addition, the film or layer can block penetration sitesused by irritants to enter into the skin. By blocking direct access tothe skin surface, the film forming agents can significantly reduce theamount of antagonistic agents that contact the skin.

Suitably, the skin care formulation comprising a film forming agent canproduce a continuous film layer on the skin having a thickness of fromabout 50 nm to about 5 microns. More suitably, the skin care formulationcomprising a film forming agent can produce a continuous film layer onthe skin having a thickness of from about 250 nm to about 750 nm; andeven more suitably, having a thickness of 267 nm.

Suitable film forming agents can include, for example, polyvinylpyrrolidone-based polymers, polyethylene glycol, xantham gum, guar gum,polyquaternium polymers, pullulan, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose,hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose gelatin, carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, tragacanth gum, acaciagum, arabic gum, polyacrylic acid, methylmethacylate copolymer,carboxyvinyl polymer, amylase, starches, modified starches, naturalstarches, aluminum starch octenyl succinate, hydroxy propyl starchphosphates, high amylase starch, hydroxypropylated high amylase starch,dextrin, pectin, chitan, chitosan, levan, elsinan, collagen, zein,glutan, soy protein isolate, whey protein isolate, casein, locust beangum, karaya gum, carrageenan, gellan, agar, algin, furcellaran,polyhydroxy acid polymers, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers,styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers,styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymers,styrene-ethylene-propylene block copolymers, styrene-butadiene,styrene-isoprene branched copolymers, ethylene-propylene branchedcopolymers, polyamides and block copolymers of styrene-polyamides,polyethylene/polyamide polymers, formaldehyde resins, formaldehydepolymers, polyisobutene polymers, polyalphaolefins, and combinationsthereof. Particularly suitable film forming agents include starches,modified starches, natural starches, aluminum starch octenyl succinate,hydroxy propyl starch phosphates, and combinations thereof.

The skin care formulations described herein can suitably include one ormore film forming agents in an amount of from about 0.1% (by weight ofthe formulation) to about 10% (by weight of the formulation). Moresuitably, the film forming agents are present in the skin careformulation in an amount of from about 1.0% (by weight of theformulation) to about 5% (by weight of the formulation).

In addition to the film forming agents, the skin care formulation of thepresent invention can optionally further comprise a bodily exudatemodifying agent neutralizer to neutralize the bodily exudate modifyingagent and reduce potential negative effects caused by the bodily exudatemodifying agents coming into direct contact with the skin of the wearer.As used herein, the term “bodily exudate modifying agent neutralizer”includes any chemical compound that can chemically neutralize or inhibitthe effect of the bodily exudate modifying agents and reduce theirpotentially harmful effects on the skin surface.

The skin care formulations to be applied to the absorbent articles ofthe present invention may include a bodily exudate modifying agentneutralizer in an amount of from about 0.01% (by weight of theformulation) to about 10% (by weight of the formulation). More suitably,the skin care formulations to be applied to the absorbent articles ofthe present invention include bodily exudate modifying agentneutralizers in an amount of from about 0.1% (by weight of theformulation) to about 0.5% (by weight of the formulation).

In one embodiment, the bodily exudate modifying agent neutralizer is anenzyme inhibitor. Inhibitors of enzyme activity are well known and aretypically classified as competitive inhibitors, which compete with thesubstrate for binding at the active site on the enzyme, andnon-competitive inhibitors, which bind to a site other than the activesite to inactivate the enzyme. Suitably, enzyme inhibitors useful in theskin care formulations described herein include protease inhibitors,lipase inhibitors, elastase inhibitors, urease inhibitors, amylaseinhibitors, and combinations thereof. More suitably, the enzymeinhibitors are selected from the group consisting of soybean trypsininhibitor, lima bean protease inhibitor, corn protease inhibitor,Bowman-Birk inhibitor, pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, ovomucoids,chymostatin, leupeptin and its analogs, bestatin and its analogs,antipain, antithrombin III, hirudin, cystatin, α₂-macroglobulin,α₁-antitrypsin, pepstatin and its analogs, TLCK, TPCK, tranexamic acidand its salts, glycyrrhizic acid and its salts, stearylglycyrrhetinate,18-β-glycyrrhetinic acid and its salts, colloidal oat extracts, elhibin,4-(2-aminoethyl)-benzenesulfonylfluoride HC1, quercetin, phytic acid andits salts, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and its salts,hexamidine and its salts, pentamidine and its salts, benzamidine and itssalts and derivatives, p-aminobenzamidine and its salts and derivatives,guanidinobenzoic acid and its salts and derivatives, alkyl hydroxamicacid and its salts and derivatives, phosporamidate and its derivatives,water soluble salts of metals, zinc salts of both saturated andunsaturated monocarboxylic acids, glycerol triesters of fatty acids,block copolymers of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide, chlorhexidine,cholestyramine, acarbose, voglibose, miglitol, emiglitate, camiglibose,pradimicin Q, salbostatin, tendamistat, trestatins, inhibitors derivedfrom plants, such as from wheat, rice, maize, barley, and other cerealgrains, beans, and seaweed, tetrahydrolipstatin, lipstatin, valilactone,esterastin, ebelactone A and B, 1,6-di(O-(carbamoyl)cyclohexanoneoxime)hexane, and combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the bodily exudate modifying agent neutralizer isa skin irritant sequestering agent. As used herein, the term“sequestering agent” means a material that can adsorb a target molecule,such as a fecal protease, by covalent or non-covalent mechanisms. Incertain preferred embodiments, the affinity for the irritant is high,rapid, and irreversible. Adsorption of the irritant to the sequesteringagent should preclude or significantly diminish the ability of a targetirritant to penetrate into, and potentially through, the stratumcorneum. As used herein, the term “sequestration” is defined as theprocess of binding of an irritant to a sequestering agent, by covalentor non-covalent mechanisms.

The adsorption of these target molecules, i.e., the bodily exudatemodifying agents, minimizes their ability to penetrate into the skin andcause skin irritation. Suitable skin irritant sequestering agents caninclude clays. Particularly, the clay is suitably selected from thegroup consisting of bentonite, laponite, montmorillonite, beidelite,hectorite, saponite, stevensite, and combinations thereof. Also suitableas sequestering agents are silica, titanium dioxide, hydroxyapatite,alumina, ion-exchange resin, and combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the bodily exudate modifying agent neutralizer isan oxidizing agent. In a reduction-oxidation reaction, the oxidizingagent oxidizes or extracts electrons from the reducing agent. As such,the effects of bodily exudate modifying agents, like reducing agents,will be neutralized by the oxidizing agent. Suitable oxidizing agentsare citric acid, malic acid, alphahydroxy acid, hydrogen peroxide, andperoxide.

In another embodiment, the bodily exudate modifying agent neutralizer isa binding protein. A binding protein, like the enzyme inhibitorsdiscussed above, will bind to an active or inactive site on the bodilyexudate modifying agent, inhibiting the action of the bodily exudatemodifying agent. Suitable binding proteins for the present inventioninclude serum albumin, histone proteins, plant proteins, animalproteins, fish proteins, yeast extract, algal proteins, and bacterialproteins.

In another embodiment, the bodily exudate modifying agent neutralizer isa zwitterion. Zwitterions, which carry both a negative and a positivecharge, can act as an acid or base. As such, zwitterions for the use inthe present invention can neutralize the bodily exudate modifying agentsdiscussed above, particularly when the agents are mild surfactants, byneutralizing the charge of the modifying agent. Suitable zwitterionsinclude, for example, amino acids such as alanine and betaine glycine.

In addition to the bodily exudate modifying agent neutralizer, the skincare formulation will typically include one or more agents selected fromemollients, sterols or sterol derivatives, natural fats or oils,solidifying agents, viscosity enhancers, rheology modifiers, andcombinations thereof. For example, the formulations of the invention mayinclude from about 1% to about 95% by weight of one or more emollients;from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of one or more sterols or sterolderivatives; from about 0.1% to about 95% by weight of one or morenatural fats or oils; from about 5% to about 95% by weight of one ormore solidifying agents; and, from about 0.1% to about 25% by weight ofone or more viscosity enhancers. The formulation may include otheringredients as well. Ranges are used to describe the relative amounts ofcomponents in the formulations of the invention as well as to describethe relative physical properties of the compositions. These ranges areillustrative and one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatthe nature of the formulation will dictate the various levels ofcomponents that must be used to achieve the intended benefit for theskin barrier. The levels can be determined by routine experimentation inview of the disclosure provided herein.

As stated above, the formulations of the invention can includeemollients, which are active ingredients that typically softens,soothes, supples, coats, lubricates and/or moisturizes the skin.Generally, emollients accomplish several of these objectivessimultaneously. Typically, emollients suitable for use in theformulations described herein are fluids at room temperature such thatthey impart a soft, lubricious lotion-like feel upon use. Suitableemollients that can be incorporated into the formulations include oilssuch as petrolatum based oils, petrolatum, vegetable based oils, mineraloils, natural or synthetic oils, alkyl dimethicones, alkyl methicones,alkyldimethicone copolyols, phenyl silicones, alkyl trimethylsilanes,dimethicone, lanolin and its derivatives, fatty esters, glycerol estersand derivatives, propylene glycol esters and derivatives, alkoxylatedcarboxylic acids, alkoxylated alcohols, fatty alcohols, and combinationsthereof. The esters can be selected from cetyl palmitate, stearylpalmitate, cetyl stearate, isopropyl laurate, isopropyl myristate,isopropyl palmitate, and combinations thereof. The fatty alcoholsinclude octyldodecanol, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl, stearyl, behenylalcohol, and combinations thereof. Ethers such as eucalyptol, ceterarylglucoside, dimethyl isosorbic polyglyceryl-3 cetyl ether, polyglyceryl-3decyltetradecanol, propylene glycol myristyl ether, and combinationsthereof can also suitably be used as emollients.

To provide improved stability and transfer to the skin of the wearer,the formulations may desirably include one or more emollient in anamount of from about 1% to about 95% by weight, more desirably fromabout 20% to about 75% by weight, and even more desirably from about 40%to about 60% by weight of the formulation. Formulations that include anamount of emollient greater than the recited amounts tend to have lowerviscosities that undesirably lead to migration of the formulation.Whereas, formulations that include an amount of emollient less than therecited amounts tend to provide less transfer to the wearer's skin.

The formulations can also include sterols and sterol derivatives thatact to provide natural skin barrier enhancement and skin barrierrecovery. Sterols and sterol derivatives that can be used in theformulation can include, but are not limited to cholestol, sitosterol,stigmasterol, ergosterol, C₁₀-C₃₀ cholesterol/lanosterol esters,cholecalciferol, cholesteryl hydroxystearate, cholesteryl isostearate,cholesteryl stearate, 7-dehydrocholesterol, dihydrocholesterol,dihydrocholesteryl octyldecanoate, dihydrolanosterol, dihydrolanosteryloctyidecanoate, ergocalciferol, tall oil sterol, soy sterol acetate,lanasterol, soy sterol, avocado sterols, fatty alcohols, andcombinations thereof. The formulations of the invention can desirablyinclude sterols, sterol derivatives or mixtures of both sterols andsterol derivatives in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 10% byweight, more desirably from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight, and evenmore desirably from about 0.8% to about 1% by weight of the formulation.

The formulations of the invention can also include natural fats andoils. As used herein, the term “natural fat or oil” is intended toinclude fats, oils, essential oils, essential fatty acids, non-essentialfatty acids, phospholipids, and combinations thereof. These natural fatsand oils can provide a source of essential and non-essential fatty acidsto those found in the skin's natural barrier. Suitable natural fats oroils can include Avocado Oil, Apricot Oil, Babassu Oil, Borage Oil,Camellia Oil, Canola Oil, Castor Oil, Coconut Oil, Corn Oil, CottonseedOil, Evening Primrose Oil, Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, HydrogenatedPalm Kernel Oil, Maleated Soybean Oil, Meadowfoam Oil, Palm Kernel Oil,Peanut Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Safflower Oil, Sphingolipids,Seed Almond Oil, Tall Oil, Lauric Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid,Linoleic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Lauryl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol,Behenyl Alcohol, Rose Hip Oil, Calendula Oil, Chamomile Oil, EucalyptusOil, Juniper Oil, Sandlewood Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Sunflower Oil, SoybeanOil, and combinations thereof.

In order to assist in replenishing skin barrier enhancing agents, theformulations of the invention may desirably include fats and oils in anamount of from about 0.1% to about 95% by weight, more desirably fromabout 5% to about 75% by weight, and even more desirably from about 10%to about 50% by weight of the formulation.

The solidifying agents primarily function to solidify the formulation sothat the formulation is a solid at room temperature and has apenetration hardness of at least 5 mm and a melting point of at least32° C. The solidifying agent also provides tackiness to the formulationthat improves the transfer to the skin of the wearer. Depending on thesolidifying agent selected, the solidifying agent can also modify themode of transfer so that the formulation tends to fracture or flake offinstead of actually rubbing off onto the skin of the wearer, which canlead to improved transfer to the skin. The solidifying agent may furtherfunction as an emollient, occlusive agent, moisturizer, barrierenhancer, and combinations thereof. The solidifying agents may includewaxes as well as compounds that perform functionally as waxes.

The solidifying agents can be selected from alkyl siloxanes, polymers,hydrogenated vegetable oils having a melting point of 35° C. or greaterand fatty acid esters with a melting point of 35° C. or greater.Additionally, the solidifying agents can be selected from animal,vegetable and mineral waxes and alkyl silicones. Examples of solidifyingagents include, but are not limited to, alkyl trimethylsilanes, beeswax,C₂₄-C₂₈ alkyl dimethicone, C₃₀ alkyl dimethicone, cetyl methicone,stearyl methicone, cetyl dimethicone, stearyl dimethicone, cerotyldimethicone, candelilla wax, carnauba, cerasin, hydrogenatedmicrocrystalline wax, jojoba wax, microcrystalline wax, lanolin wax,ozokerite, paraffin, spermaceti wax, cetyl esters, behenyl behenate,C₂₀-C₄₀ alkyl behenate, C₁₂-C₁₅ lactate, cetyl palmitate, stearylpalmitate, isosteryl behenate, lauryl behenate, stearyl benzoate,behenyl isostearate, cetyl myristate, cetyl octanote, cetyl oleate,cetyl ricinoleate, cetyl stearate, decyl oleate, diC₁₂-C₁₅ alkylfumerate, dibehenyl fumerate, myristyl lactate, myristyl lignocerate,myristyl myristate, myristyl stearate, lauryl stearate, octyldodecylstearate, octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate, olelyl arachidate, oleylstearate, tridecyl behenate, tridecyl stearate, tridecyl stearoylstearate, pentaerythrityl tetrabehenate, pentaerythrityl hydrogenatedrosinate, pentaerythrityl distearate, pentaerythrityl tetraabeite,pentaerythrityl tetracocoate, pentaerythrityl tetraperlargonate,pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene,hydrogenated vegetable oil, hydrogenated squalene, hydrogenated coconutoil, hydrogenated jojoba oil, hydrogenated palm oil, hydrogenated palmkernel oil, hydrogenated olive oil, polyamides, metal stearates andother metal soaps, C₃₀-C₆₀ fatty alcohols, C₂₀+ fatty acids,polypropylene, polystyrene, polybutane, polybutylene terephthalate,polydipentane, zinc stearate, and combinations thereof.

To provide improved transfer to the skin of the wearer, the formulationmay desirably include one or more solidifying agents in an amount offrom about 5% to about 95% by weight, more desirably from about 25% toabout 75% by weight, and even more desirably from about 30% to about 50%by weight of the formulation. Compositions that include an amount ofsolidifying agent less than the recited amounts tend to be too soft andmay have lower viscosities that may undesirably lead to migration of thecomposition away from bodyfacing surfaces of the absorbent article, thusdiminishing transfer to the wearer's skin. Whereas, formulations thatinclude an amount of solidifying agent greater than the recited amountstend to provide less transfer to the wearer's skin.

One or more viscosity enhancers may be added to the formulation toincrease the viscosity, to help stabilize the formulation on thebodyfacing surface of the bodyside liner and, thereby, to reducemigration and improve transfer to the skin. Suitable viscosity enhancersinclude polyolefin resins, lipophilicloil thickeners, ethylene/vinylacetate copolymers, polyethylene, silica, silica silylate, silica methylsilylate, colloidal silicone dioxide, cetyl hydroxy ethyl cellulose,other organically modified celluloses, PVP/decane copolymer, PVM/MAdecadiene crosspolymer, PVP/eicosene copolymer, PVP/hexadecanecopolymer, and combinations thereof.

To provide the improved transfer to the skin of the wearer, theformulation may desirably include one or more viscosity enhancers in anamount of from about 0.1% to about 25% by weight, more desirably fromabout 3% to about 20% by weight, and even more desirably from about 5%to about 10% by weight of the formulation.

In addition to one or more viscosity enhancers, the formulations of theinvention may also include one or more rheology modifiers. Rheologymodifiers are compounds that increase the viscosity of the formulationsat lower temperatures as well as process temperatures. Rheologymodifiers are also compounds that provide “structure” to theformulations to prevent separation of insoluble and partially solublecomponents. By increasing the viscosity at process temperatures, therheology modifiers will increase the viscosity above 200 centipoise.However, the rheology modifiers are thixotropic in behavior and,therefore, their viscosity decreases as shear and pressure increases.Consequently, when the rheology modifiers are used in the formulationsof the invention, they maintain the suspension of insoluble andpartially soluble components. This capability can be particularlyimportant if, during processing, the formulation must be left stagnantin process lines and hoses. In addition to stabilizing the suspension ofinsoluble and partially soluble components, the rheology modifiers ofthe invention also help to stabilize the formulations on the bodyfacingsurface of the bodyside liner or other materials to which theformulations are applied. Examples of suitable rheology modifiersinclude silica, silica silylate, silica methyl silylate, quaternarystarch compounds, and combinations thereof. The formulations of theinvention can suitably include one or more rheology modifiers in anamount of from about 0.5% to about 5% percent by weight of theformulation.

In order to better enhance the benefits to the wearer, additionalingredients can optionally be included in the formulations of thepresent invention. For example, the formulations can optionally comprisehumectants, preservatives, antimicrobial actives, antifungal actives,antiseptic actives, antioxidants, astringents, biological actives,colorants, deodorants, fragrances, lubricants, natural moisturizingagents, skin conditioning agents, skin protectants, solvents,solubilizing agents, suspending agents, wetting agents, and combinationsthereof.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the skin care formulation,or one or more components of the skin care formulation such as thebodily exudate modifying agent neutralizer, may be encapsulated in ashell material prior to being introduced onto the bodyside liner. Whenthe bodily exudate modifying agents contact the bodily extrudate such asfeces or menses, the capsules dissolve, disintegrate, or otherwise losetheir integrity and break open to release the formulation orcomponent(s). As discussed more fully above, the release of theformulation or components will neutralize or inhibit the action of thebodily exudate modifying agents. Suitable microencapsulation shellmaterials include cellulose-based polymeric materials (e.g., ethylcellulose), carbohydrate-based materials (e.g., cationic starches andsugars), polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, and lactic acid-basedaliphatic polyesters, and materials derived therefrom (e.g., dextrinsand cyclodextrins) as well as other materials compatible with humantissues.

The microencapsulation shell thickness may vary depending upon the skincare formulation utilized, and is generally manufactured to allow theencapsulated formulation or component to be covered by a thin layer ofencapsulation material, which may be a monolayer or thicker laminatelayer, or may be a composite layer. The microencapsulation layer shouldbe thick enough to resist cracking or breaking of the shell duringhandling or shipping of the product. The microencapsulation layer shouldbe constructed such that humidity from atmospheric conditions duringstorage, shipment, or wear will not cause a breakdown of themicroencapsulation layer and result in a release of the formulation orcomponent.

Microencapsulated formulations or components applied directly to theabsorbent articles should be of a size such that the user cannot feelthe encapsulated shell on the skin during use. Typically, the capsuleshave a diameter of no more than about 25 micrometers, and desirably nomore than about 10 micrometers. At these sizes, there is no “gritty” or“scratchy” feeling when the formulation contacts the skin.

The viscosity of the skin care formulation must be such that theformulation is stabilized on the bodyfacing surface of the bodysideliner and, thereby, has reduced migration into the interior of theabsorbent article and improved transfer to the skin. As such, the skincare formulations of the present invention typically have a viscosity offrom about 10 to about 10,000 centipoise as measured at a temperature of60° C. At 55° C., the formulations have a viscosity of from about 200 toabout 100,000 centipoise.

In another embodiment of the present invention, as an alternative or inaddition to using a bodily exudate modifying agent, the viscosity ofbodily exudates, such as feces and menses, can be reduced byliquification of the bodily exudate. Typically, bodily exudates can beliquefied by adding water that is microencapsulated in the absorbentarticle. Like the bodily exudate modifying agents above, the reductionin the viscosity of the exudates will allow for enhanced absorption ofthe exudates into the absorbent article and away from the skin of thewearer. Suitably, the microencapsulated water reduces the viscosity ofthe bodily exudate by at least about 5%, more suitably, at least about25%.

The present invention is illustrated by the following Example which aremerely for the purpose of illustration and not to be regarded aslimiting the scope of the invention or manner in which it may bepracticed.

EXAMPLE 1

In this Example, diapers containing several skin care formulations wereevaluated for their ability to enhance skin barrier function through theuse of a film forming agent. To evaluate skin barrier enhancement, ababy dye exclusion method was used. In this method, a hydrated dyesolution was used to simulate urine and/or runny bowl movement. Diaperscontaining a skin care formulation that showed a high level of skinbarrier enhancement allowed a small amount of dye to penetrate to theskin, which resulted in the skin being dyed a lighter color.

In preparation, 24 human subjects (infants) received a supply ofnon-ointment washout diapers to use four (4) days prior to the study.This was done to ensure that all subjects had been exposed to the sameenvironment prior to the study. The day of the study, the subjects weredirected into an environmentally controlled room (71° F.±2° F., 40%relative humidity±5%). The subjects' buttocks were wiped five (5) timeswith a damp washcloth. The buttocks were dried by patting with papertowels. The subjects were allowed to equilibrate to the room conditionsfor at least twenty minutes. A test site (1.25″ by 1.25″) was marked onthe subjects' buttocks using a surgical skin marker.

A baby dye exclusion method was then performed on the test site. In thismethod, filter paper disks (15 mm) were placed over the test site usingtweezers. 20 μl of a 3% solution of FD&C Blue Number 1 dye was appliedusing a pipette tip to the center of the filter paper disk. One minuteafter applying the dye, the dye soaked filter paper was removed and thesite was indirectly rinsed with 60 ml of tepid tap water. The test sitewas gently patted dry with a paper towel and further allowed to air dryfor five minutes. Baseline Chromameter readings were then taken using aMinolta Chromameter CR 300. Three readings were taken of each test siteand averaged to arrive at a baseline value for every test site.

The subjects were then give test diapers, which comprised one of variousskin care formulations, to wear for 3 hours. After 3 hours, the testdiaper was removed from each subject and the subject was wiped with adamp washcloth. A new test diaper, containing the same skin careformulation as the first test diaper, was then placed on the subject. IfBM contamination occurred during the second 3-hour wear, the diaper wasremoved and no additional testing was done on the subject.

The compositions of the various skin care formulations contained in thediapers evaluated are set out in Table 1. TABLE 1 Crodamol Indopol SBEH-18000³ Skin Care (Stearyl R- VERSA (poly- Formulation PetrolatumBehenate) 9790¹ GEL² isobutene) A 75% 15% 10% (IGI 9692) B 75% 15% 10%(Penreco 714) C 73.5% 15% 10% 1.5% (Snow White) D 72.75% 15% 10% 2.25% (Snow White) E 72% 15% 10%  3% (IGI 9692) Control (No 0 0 0 0 0 skincare formulation)¹R-9790 comprises 40% Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer and 60% C₃₀₊alpha olefin.²VERSA GEL, available from Penreco (Karns City, PA), comprises a blendof di and tri styrene block copolymers. VERSA GEL is a film formingagent.³Indopol H-18000 is a film forming agent.

After the 6-hour wear, a visual assessment for irritation on the skincovered by the diaper was performed. The baby dye exclusion method asdescribed above was then repeated on each test site.

Chromameter readings were taken of the test site. Three Chromameterreadings were taken of the test site and the readings were then averagedto arrive at a final Chromameter value. The Chromameter evaluates thesimultaneous change in the three components of color from pre dye topost dye. The three components of color are: “L”, which indicatesbrightness; “a”, which measures the red to green continuum, and “b”,which measures the blue to yellow continuum. The color differencebetween the final Chromameter value and the baseline Chromameter value,E*, was calculated using the formula:E*=[(ΔL ²)+(Δa ²)+(Δb ²)]^(1/2)

The E* value was then used to calculate the Protection Index Value,which indicates the level of skin barrier function enhancement providedby the skin care formulation contained in the test diaper. TheProtection Index Value was determined by the equation:100×(1−(E*/E* _(control)))As the E* (color difference) increases, the Protection Index Valuedecreases, which results in a lesser amount of barrier enhancement beingprovided by the diaper containing the skin care formulation.

Table 2 illustrates the E* values and the Protection Index Values forthe various skin care formulations: TABLE 2 Formulation E* ProtectionIndex Value A 30.39 18.55 B 29.33 21.39 C 28.40 23.88 D 28.18 24.47 E29.45 21.07 Control 37.31 0.00

As indicated in Table 2, diapers comprising formulations C & D, whichcomprise 1.5% and 2.25% of VERSA GEL, which, as stated above, is a filmforming blend of di and tri styrene block copolymers, respectivelyprovided the highest Protection Index Value, resulting in the greatestskin barrier enhancement. Diapers comprising formulations A and B, whichcomprise no film forming agents, provided lower Protection Index Values,corresponding to a lesser skin barrier enhancement. Further, thecontrol, in which no skin care formulation was contained in the diaper,resulted in a Protection Index Value of 0.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results obtained.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferredembodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

As various changes could be made in the above without departing from thescope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in theabove description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

1. An absorbent article comprising an absorbent body, a bodyside liner,a bodily exudate modifying agent, and a skin care formulation, thebodily exudate modifying agent being capable of reducing the viscosityof bodily exudates upon contact therewith, and the skin care formulationcomprising a film forming agent.
 2. The absorbent article as set forthin claim 1 wherein the bodily exudate modifying agent is encapsulated ina shell material.
 3. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 2wherein the shell material is selected from the group consisting ofcellulose-based polymeric materials, lactic acid-based aliphaticpolyesters, carbohydrate-based materials, and materials derivedtherefrom.
 4. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 wherein thebodily exudate modifying agent is an enzyme.
 5. The absorbent article asset forth in claim 4 wherein the enzyme is selected from the groupconsisting of amylase, lysozyme, zymolyase, celulase, protease, lipase,urease, elastase, carbohydrase, cathepsin G, myeloperoxidase, andcytolysins.
 6. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 wherein thebodily exudate modifying agent is a reducing agent.
 7. The absorbentarticle as set forth in claim 6 wherein the reducing agent is selectedfrom the group consisting of sulfites, thiols, thiol alcohols,mercaptoacetic acid, sodium thioglycolate, thiolactic acid,thioglycoamide, glycerol monothioglycolate, borohydrides, ternaryamines, thiocyanates, thiosulfates, cyanides, thiophosphates, arsenites,phosphines, phenols, betaines, lithium aluminum hydride, guanidinehydrochloride, stannous chloride, hydroxylamine, LiHB(C₂H₅)₃, zincmetal, Raney nickel, hydrazines, substituted hydrazines, alkyl tinhydrides, organic peptides, azobisisobutyronitrile, andtriphenylcarbenium salts.
 8. The absorbent article as set forth in claim1 wherein the bodily exudate modifying agent is a metal-based modifyingagent.
 9. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 8 wherein themetal-based modifying agent is selected from the group consisting ofmagnesium-based modifying agents, barium-based modifying agents,calcium-based modifying agents, and combinations thereof.
 10. Theabsorbent article as set forth in claim 9 wherein the calcium-basedmodifying agent is selected from the group consisting of calcium oxide,calcium hydroxide, calcium chloride, and calcium carbonate.
 11. Theabsorbent article as set forth in claim 8 wherein the metal-basedmodifying agent is a metal salt.
 12. The absorbent article as set forthin claim 11 wherein the metal salt is selected from the group consistingof iron salt, aluminum salt, calcium salt, and combinations thereof. 13.The absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 wherein the bodily exudatemodifying agent is a cationic peptide.
 14. The absorbent article as setforth in claim 13 wherein the peptide is niacin.
 15. The absorbentarticle as set forth in claim 1 wherein the bodily exudate modifyingagent is a pore-forming toxin.
 16. The absorbent article as set forth inclaim 15 wherein the pore-forming toxin is selected from the groupconsisting of alpha-toxins, cytolysin A, and seticholysins.
 17. Theabsorbent article as set forth in claim 1 wherein the bodily exudatemodifying agent is a nanoemulsion.
 18. The absorbent article as setforth in claim 17 wherein the nanoemulsion is selected from the groupconsisting of vegetable oil in water emulsion, triglyglycerides in wateremulsion, fatty acid esters in water emulsion, and combinations thereof.19. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 wherein the bodilyexudate modifying agent is a surfactant.
 20. The absorbent article asset forth in claim 19 wherein the surfactant is selected from the groupconsisting of sodium mono lauryl phosphate, potassium mono laurylphosphate, diethanolamine mono lauryl phosphate, triethanolamine monolauryl phosphate, sodium mono coco phosphate, potassium mono cocophosphate, triethanolamine mono coco phosphate, sodium mono capricphosphate, potassium mono capric phosphate, triethanolamine mono capricphosphate, non-ionic surfactants, and combinations thereof.
 21. Theabsorbent article as set forth in claim 1 wherein the film forming agentis selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl pyrrolidone-basedpolymers, polyethylene glycol, xantham gum, guar gum, polyquaterniumpolymers, pullulan, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose gelatin, carboxymethyl cellulose,polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, tragacanth gum, acacia gum, arabicgum, polyacrylic acid, methylmethacylate copolymer, carboxyvinylpolymer, amylase, starches, modified starches, natural starches,aluminum starch octenyl succinate, hydroxy propyl starch phosphates,high amylase starch, hydroxypropylated high amylase starch, dextrin,pectin, chitan, chitosan, levan, elsinan, collagen, zein, glutan, soyprotein isolate, whey protein isolate, casein, locust bean gum, karayagum, carrageenan, gellan, agar, algin, furcellaran, polyhydroxy acidpolymers, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers,styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers,styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymers,styrene-ethylene-propylene block copolymers, styrene-butadiene,styrene-isoprene branched copolymers, ethylene-propylene branchedcopolymers, polyamides and block copolymers of styrene-polyamides,polyethylene/polyamide polymers, formaldehyde resins, formaldehydepolymers, polyisobutene polymers, polyalphaolefins, and combinationsthereof.
 22. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 wherein thefilm forming agent is selected from the group consisting of starches,modified starches, natural starches, aluminum starch octenyl succinate,hydroxy propyl starch phosphates, and combinations thereof.
 23. Theabsorbent article as set forth in claim 21 wherein the film formingagent is present in the skin care formulation in an amount of from about0.1% (by weight of the formulation) to about 10% (by weight of theformulation).
 24. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 whereinthe skin care formulation further comprises a component selected fromthe group consisting of emollients, sterol or sterol derivatives,natural fats or oils, solidifying agents, viscosity enhancers, andcombinations thereof.
 25. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 1wherein the skin care formulation further comprises an optionalingredient selected from the group consisting of humectants,preservatives, antimicrobial actives, antifungal actives, antisepticactives, antioxidants, astringents, biological actives, colorants,deodorants, fragrances, lubricants, natural moisturizing agents, skinconditioning agents, skin protectants, solvents, solubilizing agents,suspending agents, wetting agents, and combinations thereof.
 26. Theabsorbent article as set forth in claim 1 wherein the skin careformulation is microencapsulated in a shell material.
 27. The absorbentarticle as set forth in claim 26 wherein the shell material comprises amaterial selected from the group consisting of cellulose-based polymericmaterials, carbohydrate-based materials, polyglycolic acid, polylacticacid, lactic acid-based aliphatic polyesters, and materials derivedtherefrom.
 28. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 wherein thefilm forming agent is microencapsulated.
 29. The absorbent article asset forth in claim 28 wherein the shell material comprises a materialselected from the group consisting of cellulose-based polymericmaterials, carbohydrate-based materials, polyglycolic acid, polylacticacid, lactic acid-based aliphatic polyesters, and materials derivedtherefrom.
 30. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 wherein theskin care formulation has a viscosity of from about 10 to about 10,000centipoise at a temperature of 60° C.
 31. The absorbent article as setforth in claim 1 wherein the bodily exudate modifying agent and the skincare formulation are located on the bodyside liner of the absorbentarticle.
 32. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 wherein thebodily exudate modifying agent is located in the absorbent body of theabsorbent article and the skin care formulation is located on thebodyside liner of the absorbent article.
 33. The absorbent article asset forth in claim 1 wherein the absorbent article is selected from thegroup consisting of diapers, training pants, adult incontinencegarments, and feminine napkins.
 34. An absorbent article comprising anabsorbent body, a bodyside liner, a bodily exudate modifying agent, anda skin care formulation, the bodily exudate modifying agent beingcapable of reducing the viscosity of bodily exudates upon contacttherewith, and the skin care formulation comprising a film forming agentand a bodily exudate modifying agent neutralizer.
 35. The absorbentarticle as set forth in claim 34 wherein the bodily exudate modifyingagent is encapsulated in a shell material.
 36. The absorbent article asset forth in claim 34 wherein the bodily exudate modifying agent is anenzyme.
 37. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 36 wherein theenzyme is selected from the group consisting of amylase, lysozyme,zymolyase, celulase, protease, lipase, urease, elastase, carbohydrase,cathepsin G, myeloperoxidase, and cytolysins.
 38. The absorbent articleas set forth in claim 34 wherein the bodily exudate modifying agent is areducing agent.
 39. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 38wherein the reducing agent is selected from the group consisting ofsulfites, thiols, thiol alcohols, mercaptoacetic acid, sodiumthioglycolate, thiolactic acid, thioglycoamide, glycerolmonothioglycolate, borohydrides, ternary amines, thiocyanates,thiosulfates, cyanides, thiophosphates, arsenites, phosphines, phenols,betaines, lithium aluminum hydride, guanidine hydrochloride, stannouschloride, hydroxylamine, and LiHB(C₂H₅)₃, zinc metal, Raney nickel,hydrazines, substituted hydrazines, alkyl tin hydrides, organicpeptides, azobisisobutyronitrile, and triphenylcarbenium salts.
 40. Theabsorbent article as set forth in claim 34 wherein the bodily exudatemodifying agent is a metal-based modifying agent.
 41. The absorbentarticle as set forth in claim 40 wherein the metal-based modifying agentis selected from the group consisting of magnesium-based modifyingagents, barium-based modifying agents, calcium-based modifying agents,and combinations thereof.
 42. The absorbent article as set forth inclaim 41 wherein the calcium-based modifying agent is selected from thegroup consisting of calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium chloride,and calcium carbonate.
 43. The absorbent article as set forth in claim42 wherein the metal-based modifying agent is a metal salt.
 44. Theabsorbent article as set forth in claim 43 wherein the metal salt isselected from the group consisting of iron salt, aluminum salt, calciumsalt, and combinations thereof.
 45. The absorbent article as set forthin claim 34 wherein the bodily exudate modifying agent is a cationicpeptide.
 46. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 45 wherein thepeptide is niacin.
 47. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 34wherein the bodily exudate modifying agent is a pore-forming toxin. 48.The absorbent article as set forth in claim 47 wherein the pore-formingtoxin is selected from the group consisting of alpha-toxins, cytolysinA, and seticholysins.
 49. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 34wherein the bodily exudate modifying agent is a nanoemulsion.
 50. Theabsorbent article as set forth in claim 49 wherein the nanoemulsion isselected from the group consisting of vegetable oil in water emulsion,triglyglycerides in water emulsion, fatty acid esters in water emulsion,and combinations thereof.
 51. The absorbent article as set forth inclaim 34 wherein the bodily exudate modifying agent is a surfactant. 52.The absorbent article as set forth in claim 51 wherein the surfactant isselected from the group consisting of sodium mono lauryl phosphate,potassium mono lauryl phosphate, diethanolamine mono lauryl phosphate,triethanolamine mono lauryl phosphate, sodium mono coco phosphate,potassium mono coco phosphate, triethanolamine mono coco phosphate,sodium mono capric phosphate, potassium mono capric phosphate,triethanolamine mono capric phosphate, non-ionic surfactants, andcombinations thereof.
 53. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 34wherein the film forming agent is selected from the group consisting ofpolyvinyl pyrrolidone-based polymers, polyethylene glycol, xantham gum,guar gum, polyquaternium polymers, pullulan, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose gelatin,carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, tragacanthgum, acacia gum, arabic gum, polyacrylic acid, methylmethacylatecopolymer, carboxyvinyl polymer, amylase, starches, modified starches,natural starches, aluminum starch octenyl succinate, hydroxy propylstarch phosphates, high amylase starch, hydroxypropylated high amylasestarch, dextrin, pectin, chitan, chitosan, levan, elsinan, collagen,zein, glutan, soy protein isolate, whey protein isolate, casein, locustbean gum, karaya gum, carrageenan, gellan, agar, algin, furcellaran,polyhydroxy acid polymers, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers,styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers,styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymers,styrene-ethylene-propylene block copolymers, styrene-butadiene,styrene-isoprene branched copolymers, ethylene-propylene branchedcopolymers, polyamides and block copolymers of styrene-polyamides,polyethylene/polyamide polymers, formaldehyde resins, formaldehydepolymers, polyisobutene polymers, polyalphaolefins, and combinationsthereof.
 54. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 34 wherein thefilm forming agent is selected from the group consisting of starches,modified starches, natural starches, aluminum starch octenyl succinate,hydroxy propyl starch phosphates, and combinations thereof.
 55. Theabsorbent article as set forth in claim 34 wherein the film formingagent is present in the skin care formulation is an amount of from about0.1% (by weight of the formulation) to about 10% (by weight of theformulation).
 56. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 34 whereinthe bodily exudate modifying agent neutralizer is an enzyme inhibitor.57. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 56 wherein the enzymeinhibitor is selected from the group consisting of a protease inhibitor,a lipase inhibitor, an elastase inhibitor, a urease inhibitor, anamylase inhibitor, and combinations thereof.
 58. The absorbent articleas set forth in claim 57 wherein the enzyme inhibitor is selected fromthe group consisting of soybean trypsin inhibitor, lima bean proteaseinhibitor, corn protease inhibitor, Bowman-Birk inhibitor, pancreatictrypsin inhibitor, ovomucoids, chymostatin, leupeptin and its analogs,bestatin and its analogs, antipain, antithrombin III, hirudin, cystatin,α₂-macroglobulin, α₁-antitrypsin, pepstatin and its analogs, TLCK, TPCK,tranexamic acid and its salts, glycyrrhizic acid and its salts,stearylglycyrrhetinate, 18-β-glycyrrhetinic acid and its salts,colloidal oat extracts, elhibin,4-(2-aminoethyl)-benzenesulfonylfluoride HC1, quercetin, phytic acid andits salts, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and its salts,hexamidine and its salts, pentamideine and its salts, benzamidine andits salts and derivatives, p-aminobenzamidine and its salts andderivatives, guanidinobenzoic acid and its salts and derivatives, alkylhydroxamic acid and its salts and derivatives, phosporamidate and itsderivatives, water soluble salts of metals, zinc salts of both saturatedand unsaturated monocarboxylic acids, glycerol triesters of fatty acids,block copolymers of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide, chlorhexidine,cholestyramine, acarbose, voglibose, miglitol, emiglitate, camiglibose,pradimicin Q, salbostatin, tendamistat, trestatins, inhibitors derivedfrom plants, such as from wheat, rice, maize, barley, and other cerealgrains, beans, and seaweed, tetrahydrolipstatin, lipstatin, valilactone,esterastin, ebelactone A and B, 1,6-di(O-carbamoyl)cyclohexanoneoxime)hexane, and combinations thereof.
 59. The absorbent article as setforth in claim 34 wherein the bodily exudate modifying agent neutralizeris a skin irritant sequestering agent.
 60. The absorbent article as setforth in claim 59 wherein the sequestering agent is a clay.
 61. Theabsorbent article as set forth in claim 60 wherein the clay is selectedfrom the group consisting of bentonite, laponite, montmorillonite,beidelite, hectorite, saponite, stevensite, and combinations thereof.62. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 59 wherein thesequestering agent is selected from the group consisting of silica,titanium dioxide, hydroxyapatite, alumina, ion-exchange resin, andcombinations thereof.
 63. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 34wherein the bodily exudate modifying agent neutralizer is an oxidizingagent.
 64. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 63 wherein theoxidizing agent is selected from citric acid, malic acid, alphahydroxyacid, hydrogen peroxide, and peroxide.
 65. The absorbent article as setforth in claim 34 wherein the bodily exudate modifying agent neutralizeris a binding protein.
 66. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 65wherein the binding protein is selected from the group consisting ofserum albumin, histone proteins, plant proteins, animal proteins, fishproteins, yeast extract, algal proteins, and bacterial proteins.
 67. Theabsorbent article as set forth in claim 34 wherein the bodily exudatemodifying agent neutralizer is a zwitterion.
 68. The absorbent articleas set forth in claim 67 wherein the zwitterion is an amino acid. 69.The absorbent article as set forth in claim 34 wherein the bodilyexudate modifying agent neutralizer is present in the skin careformulation in an amount of from about 0.1% by weight of the formulationto about 10% by weight of the formulation.
 70. The absorbent article asset forth in claim 34 wherein the skin care formulation furthercomprises a component selected from the group consisting of emollients,sterol or sterol derivatives, natural fats or oils, solidifying agents,viscosity enhancers, and combinations thereof.
 71. The absorbent articleas set forth in claim 34 wherein the skin care formulation furthercomprises an optional ingredient selected from the group consisting ofhumectants, preservatives, antimicrobial actives, antifungal actives,antiseptic actives, antioxidants, astringents, biological actives,colorants, deodorants, fragrances, lubricants, natural moisturizingagents, skin conditioning agents, skin protectants, solvents,solubilizing agents, suspending agents, wetting agents, and combinationsthereof.
 72. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 34 wherein theskin care formulation is microencapsulated in a shell material.
 73. Theabsorbent article as set forth in claim 72 wherein the shell materialcomprises a material selected from the group consisting ofcellulose-based polymeric materials, carbohydrate-based materials,polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, lactic acid-based aliphaticpolyesters, and materials derived therefrom.
 74. The absorbent articleas set forth in claim 34 wherein the skin care formulation has aviscosity of from about 10 to about 10,000 centipoise at a temperatureof 60° C.
 75. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 34 wherein thebodily exudate modifying agent and the skin care formulation are locatedon the bodyside liner of the absorbent article.
 76. The absorbentarticle as set forth in claim 34 wherein the bodily exudate modifyingagent is located in the absorbent body of the absorbent article and theskin care formulation is located on the bodyside liner of the absorbentarticle.
 77. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 34 wherein theabsorbent article is selected from the group consisting of diapers,training pants, adult incontinence garments, and feminine napkins.
 78. Amethod for reducing the viscosity of a bodily exudate in an absorbentarticle, the method comprising: providing an absorbent article having abodyside liner and an absorbent body, the bodyside liner comprising anencapsulated bodily exudate modifying agent and a skin care formulation,the bodily exudate modifying agent being capable of reducing theviscosity of bodily exudates upon contact therewith, and the skin careformulation comprising a film forming agent; contacting a bodily exudatewith the bodyside liner to provide for direct contact between theencapsulated bodily exudate modifying agent and the bodily exudate. 79.The method as set forth in claim 78 wherein the bodily exudate modifyingagent reduces the viscosity of the bodily exudate by at least about 5%.80. The method as set forth in claim 78 wherein the bodily exudatemodifying agent reduces the viscosity of the bodily exudate by at leastabout 25%.
 81. The method as set forth in claim 78 wherein the bodilyexudate modifying agent is an enzyme.
 82. The method as set forth inclaim 81 wherein the enzyme is selected from the group consisting ofamylase, lysozyme, zymolyase, celulase, protease, lipase, urease,elastase, carbohydrase, cathepsin G, myeloperoxidase, and cytolysins.83. The method as set forth in claim 78 wherein the bodily exudatemodifying agent is a reducing agent.
 84. The method as set forth inclaim 83 wherein the reducing agent is selected from the groupconsisting of sulfites, thiols, thiol alcohols, mercaptoacetic acid,sodium thioglycolate, thiolactic acid, thioglycoamide, glycerolmonothioglycolate, borohydrides, ternary amines, thiocyanates,thiosulfates, cyanides, thiophosphates, arsenites, phosphines, phenols,betaines, lithium aluminum hydride, guanidine hydrochloride, stannouschloride, hydroxylamine, and LiHB(C₂H₅)₃, zinc metal, Raney nickel,hydrazines, substituted hydrazines, alkyl tin hydrides, organicpeptides, azobisisobutyronitrile, and triphenylcarbenium salts.
 85. Themethod as set forth in claim 78 wherein the bodily exudate modifyingagent is a metal-based modifying agent.
 86. The method as set forth inclaim 85 wherein the metal-based modifying agent is selected from thegroup consisting of magnesium-based modifying agents, barium-basedmodifying agents, calcium-based modifying agents, and combinationsthereof.
 87. The method as set forth in claim 86 wherein thecalcium-based modifying agent is selected from the group consisting ofcalcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium chloride, and calciumcarbonate.
 88. The method as set forth in claim 85 wherein themetal-based modifying agent is a metal salt.
 89. The method as set forthin claim 88 wherein the metal salt is selected from the group consistingof iron salt, aluminum salt, calcium salt, and combinations thereof. 90.The method as set forth in claim 78 wherein the bodily exudate modifyingagent is a cationic peptide.
 91. The method as set forth in claim 90wherein the peptide is niacin.
 92. The method as set forth in claim 78wherein the bodily exudate modifying agent is a pore-forming toxin. 93.The method as set forth in claim 92 wherein the pore-forming toxin isselected from the group consisting of an alpha-toxin, cytolysin A, andseticholysins.
 94. The method as set forth in claim 78 wherein thebodily exudate modifying agent is a nanoemulsion.
 95. The method as setforth in claim 94 wherein the nanoemulsion is selected from the groupconsisting of vegetable oil in water emulsion, triglyglycerides in wateremulsion, fatty acid esters in water emulsion, and combinations thereof.96. The method as set forth in claim 78 wherein the bodily exudatemodifying agent is a surfactant.
 97. The method as set forth in claim 96wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of sodiummono lauryl phosphate, potassium mono lauryl phosphate, diethanolaminemono lauryl phosphate, triethanolamine mono lauryl phosphate, sodiummono coco phosphate, potassium mono coco phosphate, triethanolamine monococo phosphate, sodium mono capric phosphate, potassium mono capricphosphate, triethanolamine mono capric phosphate, non-ionic surfactants,and combinations thereof.
 98. The method as set forth in claim 78wherein the film forming agent is selected from the group consisting ofpolyvinyl pyrrolidone-based polymers, polyethylene glycol, xantham gum,guar gum, polyquaternium polymers, pullulan, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose gelatin,carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, tragacanthgum, acacia gum, arabic gum, polyacrylic acid, methylmethacylatecopolymer, carboxyvinyl polymer, amylase, starches, modified starches,natural starches, aluminum starch octenyl succinate, hydroxy propylstarch phosphates, high amylase starch, hydroxypropylated high amylasestarch, dextrin, pectin, chitan, chitosan, levan, elsinan, collagen,zein, glutan, soy protein isolate, whey protein isolate, casein, locustbean gum, karaya gum, carrageenan, gellan, agar, algin, furcellaran,polyhydroxy acid polymers, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers,styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers,styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymers,styrene-ethylene-propylene block copolymers, styrene-butadiene,styrene-isoprene branched copolymers, ethylene-propylene branchedcopolymers, polyamides and block copolymers of styrene-polyamides,polyethylene/polyamide polymers, formaldehyde resins, formaldehydepolymers, polyisobutene polymers, polyalphaolefins, and combinationsthereof.
 99. The method as set forth in claim 78 wherein the filmforming agent is selected from the group consisting of starches,modified starches, natural starches, aluminum starch octenyl succinate,hydroxy propyl starch phosphates, and combinations thereof.
 100. Themethod as set forth in claim 78 wherein the film forming agent ispresent in the skin care formulation in an amount of from about 0.1% (byweight of the formulation) to about 10% (by weight of the formulation).101. The method as set forth in claim 78 wherein the skin careformulation further comprises a bodily exudate modifying agentneutralizer.
 102. The method as set forth in claim 101 wherein thebodily exudate modifying agent neutralizer is selected from enzymeinhibitors, skin irritant sequestering agents, oxidizing agents, bindingproteins, and zwitterions.
 103. The method as set forth in claim 102wherein the bodily exudate modifying agent neutralizer is an enzymeinhibitor, wherein the enzyme inhibitor is selected from the groupconsisting of a protease inhibitor, a lipase inhibitor, an elastaseinhibitor, a urease inhibitor, an amylase inhibitor, and combinationsthereof.
 104. The method as set forth in claim 102 wherein the bodilyexudate modifying agent neutralizer is a skin irritant sequesteringagent, wherein the skin irritant sequestering agent is selected from thegroup consisting of clay, silica, titanium dioxide, hydroxyapatite,alumina, ion-exchange resin, and combinations thereof.
 105. The methodas set forth in claim 104 wherein the clay is selected from the groupconsisting of bentonite, laponite, montmorillonite, beidelite,hectorite, saponite, stevensite, and combinations thereof.
 106. Themethod as set forth in claim 102 wherein the bodily exudate modifyingagent neutralizer is an oxidizing agent, wherein the oxidizing agent isselected from the group consisting of citric acid, malic acid,alphahydroxy acid, hydrogen peroxide, and peroxide.
 107. The method asset forth in claim 102 wherein the bodily exudate modifying agentneutralizer is a binding protein, wherein the binding protein isselected from the group consisting of serum albumin, histone proteins,plant proteins, animal proteins, fish proteins, yeast extract, algalproteins, and bacterial proteins.
 108. The method as set forth in claim102 wherein the bodily exudate modifying agent neutralizer is azwitterion, wherein the zwitterion is an amino acid.
 109. The method asset forth in claim 101 wherein bodily exudate modifying agentneutralizer is present in the skin care formulation in an amount of fromabout 0.1% by weight of the formulation to about 10% by weight of theformulation.
 110. The method as set forth in claim 78 wherein the skincare formulation further comprises a component selected from the groupconsisting of emollients, sterol or sterol derivatives, natural fats oroils, solidifying agents, viscosity enhancers, and combinations thereof.111. The method as set forth in claim 78 wherein the skin careformulation further comprises an optional ingredient selected from thegroup consisting of humectants, preservatives, antimicrobial actives,antifungal actives, antiseptic actives, antioxidants, astringents,biological actives, colorants, deodorants, fragrances, lubricants,natural moisturizing agents, skin conditioning agents, skin protectants,solvents, solubilizing agents, suspending agents, wetting agents, andcombinations thereof.
 112. The method as set forth in claim 78 whereinthe skin care formulation is microencapsulated in a shell material. 113.The method as set forth in claim 112 wherein the shell materialcomprises a material selected from the group consisting ofcellulose-based polymeric materials, carbohydrate-based materials,polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, lactic acid-based aliphaticpolyesters, and materials derived therefrom.
 114. The method as setforth in claim 78 wherein the bodily exudate modifying agent neutralizeris microencapsulated.
 115. The method as set forth in claim 114 whereinthe shell material comprises a material selected from the groupconsisting of cellulose-based polymeric materials, carbohydrate-basedmaterials, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, lactic acid-basedaliphatic polyesters, and materials derived therefrom.
 116. The methodas set forth in claim 78 wherein the skin care formulation has aviscosity of from about 10 to about 10,000 centipoise at a temperatureof 60° C.
 117. The method as set forth in claim 78 wherein the absorbentarticle is selected from the group consisting of diapers, trainingpants, adult incontinence garments, and feminine napkins.
 118. Anabsorbent article comprising an absorbent body, a bodyside liner, abodily modifying agent, and a skin care formulation, the bodily exudatemodifying agent being capable of reducing the viscosity of bodilyexudates upon contact therewith, and the skin care formulationcomprising a film forming agent and having a protection index value ofat least about 23 when exposed to the skin for 2 hours.